DO WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU CAN

The title of today's blog is not just a rallying cry to encourage fellow Dementers and their Carers to have as positive an approach to each day as possible. It is also, a statement that many may agree with and see as being obvious. However, where I am coming from in relation to this matter is that, when one can not operate in the way one was able a few years ago, it is easy and in many cases understandable, for the individual concerned to give up, not only on things that they can no longer undertake, but also on aspects of life that they are both physically and mentally capable of doing. It is therefore, I believe, important, in the first instance, that the Dementer and their Carer make every effort to ensure that they both undertake as many tasks, both physical and mental, as possible.

There may be positive aspects and pleasant surprises, for all concerned, if the positive "Do what you can, while you can" approach is adopted. This positive attitude and outlook should also underpin the approach and attitude of any health professional dealing with and being responsible for people with Dementia. They, like us, should be examining the opportunities that Dementia may provide, however brief, for people with the disease to continue to develop their potential, within the confines / limitations the condition presents. This is not to deny the, current, unstoppable advancement of the disease, but rather, to maximise the potential "good life" for both the Dementee and their Carer.  This "Good Life with Dementia" should be given the opportunity to flourish for as long as it can, to the benefit of all concerned.

JSAFGA